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Buying a new TV? Aurko S. tells you seven crucial things you must know

By Aurko S.
Published on June 1, 2014

It’s the Gitex month and to top it all — it’s also the vacation time for kids, and with the ongoing IPL matches and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, you’re probably in the market for a new television set. Well, here’s a quick primer to help you buy one that’s just right for you…

SIZE AND PANEL

The quick-fix rule to decide the size of the TV to buy: Distance (in inches) from TV to your eyes ÷ 1.6 = Optimum diagonal
length of TV. You can fiddle around with this equation a bit, but the size should just be the largest you can afford. Selecting the panel for your TV is a different matter: In Dubai, dust is a big factor. Therefore, look for either IPS panels or glass-coated VA panels. The easiest way to test the screen is to tap on it. If it makes a sound like glass, buy it. But if there’s a water-like ripple on the panel, avoid it.

LED VS LCD VS PLASMA

The jargon in LED, LCD and Plasma can get confusing, especially with manufacturers using proprietary terms like “LED+” and “SuperLED”. Here’s what you need to know: Unless you are buying a TV that costs AED12,000 or more, you aren’t going to get a full-array LED or a “true LED” screen. Plasma televisions give you better black levels, but they cost a lot to repair, so better to opt for LCD or LED.

HD VS FULL-HD

At anything below 46 inches, it’s difficult to tell an HD TV apart from a Full-HD TV unless you are watching a Blu-ray movie at a distance of less than eight feet. For anything else, an HD TV (usually called HD-ready) is going to be quite all right. That said, if you are choosing between two TVs and one is HD while the other is Full HD, opt for the latter.

SMART TV, CONNECTIVITY

Look for a TV with three HDMI ports and don’t settle for anything less than two ports. If your budget permits it, go for a smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi. Wi-Di, or Wi-Fi Direct, is another standard that is helpful to have since your next smartphone
might be able to share content with your TV seamlessly using this technology.

MEDIA PLAYBACK

For compatibility with the widest range of file formats, look for TVs that support DivX HD — this will support AVI, MKV, MP4 and several other video formats. If you plan to use a portable hard drive with your TV, make sure the model supports the size of your disk.

PASSIVE OR ACTIVE 3D

Passive 3D TVs are more practical for casual viewing. The 3D glasses don’t cost too much, so you can keep a stock for your friends when you call them over. Also, most of the 3D content you get, like live sports, is made for such passive 3D. Plus, the glasses are light and don’t need batteries, adding to their convenience.Active 3D TVs are better suited for film buffs with a collection of the latest 3D Blu-ray discs — but they come at a price.

WARRANTY

It makes sense to get an extended warranty
that boosts your default one-year warranty to three years — as it’s a small premium to pay for an extra protection.

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The Community is a monthly magazine that offers a broad range of features, primarily based on lifestyle and social issues, relevant to the UAE expatriates and nationals. With its distinctive accent on people, trends and lifestyle, the magazine offers a comprehensive range of articles for both men and women. Its content and voice are guided by the needs and aspirations of the people of the UAE and their opinions, choices and necessities, making the magazine a very strong platform for people to reach out and make a difference.

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